7 Herbs to Help Clear the Lungs and Help You Breathe Better.

There are many great herbs to help with the lungs. However, it's not just the herbs themselves, but how you apply them. You can do things both internally and externally.

Internally, you can take a tea (though some of the herbs like horehound are bitter to the taste), or my favorite method, is tincture since it's quick acting, putting the drops under my tongue.

Externally, you can also apply these as a plaster or poultice, make a rub or salve, or do a steam inhalation.

Herbs can be a helpful complement to other treatments for relieving lung congestion.

Here are seven herbs that may be helpful:

1. Thyme: Thyme has antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which can help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Thyme can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

2. Licorice: Licorice has expectorant and demulcent properties, which can help to soothe and moisten the respiratory tract and loosen mucus. Licorice can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

3. Marshmallow: Marshmallow has a high mucilage content, which can help to soothe and coat the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and inflammation. Marshmallow can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried marshmallow root in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

4. Mullein: Mullein has expectorant and demulcent properties, which can help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and soothe irritation in the respiratory tract. Mullein can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried mullein leaf in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

5. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and loosen mucus in the respiratory tract. Ginger can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

6. Osha: Osha is an herb that is native to the southwestern United States and has traditionally been used by indigenous peoples for respiratory complaints. It has expectorant and antimicrobial properties, which can help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Osha can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried osha root in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

7. Horehound: Horehound is an herb that has traditionally been used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It has expectorant and antimicrobial properties, which can help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Horehound can be taken as a tea by infusing 1-2 teaspoons of dried horehound leaves in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes. It can also be taken as a tincture or capsule.

Monarch Herbs has many great options to help with supporting the lungs.

It's important to follow the instructions on any herbal product you use and to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally. It's also important to note that these herbs should be used in conjunction with other treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.